Potential Sources of Well Water Contamination
by Kathy Dean
Wells and boreholes are advantageous features in residential and agricultural settings. They provide an economical alternative source of water for normal domestic tasks, irrigation and livestock. Unfortunately, groundwater is vulnerable to contamination and this can drastically lower the quality of well water. There are different potential water pollutants which are associated with human and livestock diseases, general toxicity, plant poisoning and well water mineral imbalance.
It is crucial for you to commission periodic testing of the water quality in your property. This will help you recognise and resolve any problems before escalation. Here are the main potential sources of contaminants in well water:
Septic Systems
Septic systems are suitable onsite domestic wastewater treatment systems for properties without a connection to the local sewage network. It is an efficient and relatively scheme which can decompose and mineralise wastes in order to limit the hazards. Septic tanks rely on drain fields, peat moss beds and special ponds for disposal of the treated effluent.
This material can contaminate the soil and surrounding groundwater if the septic system is poorly constructed or located poorly in relation to the well. Substandard designing of the structure and negligence will also contribute to the pollution process. The common contaminants associated with septic systems include nitrates, bacteria, viruses, detergents and oils.
Pesticide and Fertilisers
There are diverse chemical compounds used in crop production and maintenance of natural turf. These products are mainly fertilisers for artificial enrichment of the ground and pesticides to control invasion by destructive insects and rodents. The chemical composition of most of these materials is highly toxic to human entities and livestock. The products can percolate into the farming soil substrate and flow into the well structure.
Some of the constituent chemicals can remain in the water for long periods of time if proper quality testing is not carried out. Common elements associated with these contaminants include phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium.
Poor Disposal Systems
Contamination of groundwater can occur due to poor disposal of garbage in the local area. For example, landfills are utilised for safe disposal of waste by burying the materials. A properly constructed disposal system must have a resilient protective layer at the bottom. If this layer is compromised, the waste content can flow into the soil and flow along the groundwater channels to your well.
The potential causes of pollution in landfills include materials such as paint, cleaning agents and battery acid. Additionally, you can cause serious contamination by disposing hazardous wastes like motor oil, antifreeze and insecticides within your property. To learn more, contact a company like Agrifood Technology with any questions you have.
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About Me
There are so many things that we are just starting to understand and relearn about agriculture these days. Rotating crops and growing different things in the fields each year can help to balance the nutrients that are left in the ground and make sure that the earth is prepared for the new crop. This was something that people used to know and integrate as part as standard farming process and then it started to fall by the wayside as farming got more 'efficient'. If you are interested in knowing more about crop rotation and sustainable farming, then keep reading this blog.